From: SalvaAC <at> AOL <dot> COM
Date: 27 feb 1997
Subject: Re: A good first move

In a message dated 97-02-24 04:32:48 EST, you write:

<< The best and easiest plan for a lazy person like me is to start with
Pc3-c4.
 If the opponent opens similarly with Pg7-g6 then you need to close the long
 diagonal with Pd3-d4. After that, play either the 4th file rook with Rh2-d2
 or the 3rd file rook with Rh2-c2 >>

Couple of questions...

1.  Is it mandatory to close the Bishop diagonal after P-7f, P-3d?  At least
for a while, whoever takes the bishop first gives up a tempo, because when
the silver retakes, that silver move also serves as a developing move.  And
although I don't remember much of the details, I seem to remember that in
Hodges' "Shogi" magazine, a lengthy series of articles on the "Wrong Diagonal
Bishop" that are also possible.  I know this assumes book knowledge, but
having to receive the initiative against static rook's extra tempo requires
similar knowledge...

2.  If black does play 2. P-6f, is he still required to play ranging rook?
 This is a move that will happen eventually in a Yagura game, for example.
 Could black still play static rook in this case?

Tony